Seeking Tradecraft Perfection
Colorado Construction & Design Magazine

Seeking Tradecraft Perfection

?Shokunin Kishitsu - 職人気質 (Craftsman Spirit)

Japanese shokunin (craftsmen) work hard to perfect their craft, repeating the process throughout their lives, humbly, and with a spirit of striving toward perfection. They recognize that their craft will never be flawless but remain dedicated to continual improvement. Morale and discipline fuel their drive, regardless of the task they have chosen. They are faithful to their trade, serving that specific skill with less attention to money, fame, or distractions of the like. Their dedication is highly respected in their community.

This spirit of continual improvement was also present in early Western cultures, as Aristotle noted, "Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives - choice, not chance, determines your destiny."

It’s my observation that a spirit of shokunin kishitsu exists today amongst most professionals in the A/E/C industry. We’re a passionate bunch–dedicated to the betterment of our communities. Of the stories I’ve heard, some of the most heartfelt are from workers in the field. These are the people at the forefront of everything we do. Their jobs are hands-on, and a lot of things can go wrong in that working space. When things do take a turn, these individuals are the unsung heroes, the ones available to save the rest of us from potential negative consequences.

In our society, the tradecrafts often don’t receive the attention they deserve. When a job is done well, few complaints are heard. When a job is executed poorly, the realization of the importance for the skill is identified. These workers, the dedicated craftspeople, demonstrate shokunin kishitsu in our industry–they’re committed, and they’re passionate. We don’t know the beautiful craft they have perfected because it’s seamless, perfecting a bigger picture. We can rely on them to work with a precision that leaves their contribution almost invisible, sometimes out of sight–buried deep underground or within the construction walls. As they perfect their craft, the rest of us benefit from their expertise. They are at the foundation, often literally, of the success of the built environment.

Shokunin in Practice

Nicholas Kemp (Ikigai Tribe, Shokunin – The Practice of Ichigyo-Zanmai, 2022) explains shokunin more fully with a Zen term, ichigyo-zanmai. Translated: focus or concentration on one practice. This single-task focus is with intent to become the very best at a single trade, regardless of how large or small, how significant or insignificant, the world views the task to be. The idea is to own it, to perfect it little by little over a lifetime of perseverance. The praise is in the continuation of the pursuit, in the ability to avoid the distractions that might come alongside the individual.

Growing up in a small mountain town, I witnessed people–sometimes entire families–owning their trade. A focus on one practice provides a resource to others, helping them to achieve their ichigyo-zanmai. In a rural community, amenities aren’t as accessible as they might be in a bigger city. The townspeople come to depend on one another for the skill set they provide. Talented individuals, regardless of the task, become incredibly valuable. They’re all needed, they’re all valued, and their talent is incredibly impactful on the community. This concept is paralleled in the A/E/C industry. None of us are as strong as all of us.

With a smaller sample size, it’s easier to see the importance of a single contribution. Every small action empowers another action until an entire system is fully functional.

Ichigyo-zanmai zeros in on a single practice. Selecting one thing, one talent that is the most suitable.

“We can also strive to experience ichigyo-zanmai as practitioners. The key is to limit yourself to one activity or action and give yourself fully to what you are doing, tapping into your true, innermost nature.

This is challenging to achieve as it requires you to let go of your ego and concentrate; it is best practiced in solitude in a distraction-free environment. Thanks to this practice – many hundreds of hours of it – one can then step into flow as if almost at will in any environment, tuning out distractions and the scrutiny of others, often while under immense pressure to create or execute something miraculous.

The compound effects of practicing ichigyo-zanmai over many years results in what we might call mastery. That said, a shokunin would be the first to admit that they will never fully master their craft, and that there is always room for improvement; nevertheless, they do master ichigyo-zanmai and the ability to step into flow.”?

Limiting ourselves to one activity might be next to impossible in our industry, and practicing in solitude, well, let me know if you figure that out. What I do think we can accomplish is a letting go of ego and focusing on what we do best. For me, I find pleasure in sharing written words. I love writing and the feeling I’m left with when my thoughts are transferred to characters on a page. Sometimes I write about construction projects (even the more mundane ones)–other times I’m able to share my passionate thoughts on marketing or motivating teams. Whatever it is I am doing, I try to do it with a true inner passion. I seek a spirit of shokunin kishitsu in the work I have been gifted to do, and I enjoy contributing my skills to the A/E/C community.

Finding Flow

A state of flow is the space where time passes quickly and the task at hand feels focused, light, and free. It’s a gratifying feeling of accomplishment–being fully in the zone.

In an interview, two thought leaders discussed the idea of staying in focus. Daniel Pink (author of seven New York Times bestsellers) asked Tom Rath (author of StrenghtsFinder 2.0 and other publications) about his research in writing “Are You Fully Charged?” Daniel Pink inquired specifically about the balance between focusing intensely and taking a break. Tom Rath replied, “Top performers work in bursts. This applies to athletes, teachers, and those of us who spend our days in front of a computer screen. As a general guideline, taking a 10-minute break every hour is a good idea for your productivity and creativity. But if you spend your day sitting in a chair, it may be a better idea to take very brief breaks every 20 minutes. Essentially, the more you move the better you think.”

The combination of engagement and rest remains a topic of popular discussion. Thomas Edison and Nicola Tesla are known for their advocacy of the power nap, and several companies now offer quiet rooms welcoming of a short rest break. These breaks are meant to reset the brain and allow for increased productivity.

The state of flow lives somewhere between too little and too much challenge–it’s a delicate balance. When the sweet spot is discovered, it is described as a meditative state where the task feels natural, time can pass without notice. Athletes report experiencing this feeling, as do professionals. Reportedly, finding flow throughout the day leaves an individual feeling content and achieved.

Future Happiness

If there is one certain delusion in work or personal life, it’s the idea that happiness lives somewhere in the future. It’s a fool’s errand to seek the goodness of tomorrow and ignore the beautiful opportunities available in the present moment.?


“Watch any plant or animal and let it teach you acceptance of what is, surrender to the Now.

Let it teach you Being.

Let it teach you integrity — which means to be one, to be yourself, to be real.

Let it teach you how to live and how to die, and how not to make living and dying into a problem.”

― Eckhart Tolle (The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, 2004)


Japanese shokunin kishitsu have discovered the joy of being present and owning their craft–of enjoying a day’s work, happily returning to perfect their skill a little more with each passing day. I believe we can learn a lot from this type of dedication to a single craft, free of judgement. We can contribute greatly by remaining faithful to our talents, from lessening the distractions in and around us. We can work more effectively as we move past the things that stand in our way–literal and imagined. Together, we can perfect our built environment.


“There is no limit to what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit.”

— John Wooden


First Published: Colorado Construction & Design Magazine

https://ccdmag.com/Winter-Spring-2024/index.html#p=68


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Such dedication and focus are truly inspiring, Jaime! ?? It's amazing what can be achieved with a humble spirit of continuous improvement.

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